Building on the announcement of this year’s Eid Festivals 2013 last month, Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) has entered the final stages of preparation and confirmation of the full program of events being readied for the holiday period. The festival, which features a full range of activities and events to suit all ages, will launch on the first day of Eid al-Fitr and run for 10 days in shopping centers (malls), the Doha Exhibition Center, Souq Waqif, Katara Cultural Village, in addition to many other locations outside of Doha.
Concurrent with the festival, QTA will resume its promotional campaign that debuted last month, which is targeting neighboring countries. The campaign promotes Qatar as a unique tourist destination combining security, adherence to customs and traditions while offering extensive art and cultural facilities, hotels and restaurants, shopping centers and places of recreation and entertainment for families.
This year’s activities and events will include sports, culture and entertainment to suit all ages. The increased participation of institutions and private companies this year adds to the activities available for families to experience during the holiday period. All of these developments are sure to provide an atmosphere of joy and delight in Qatar during the holiday period for residents and tourists.
Commenting on the preparations, H.E. Eng. Issa Mohammed Al-Mohannadi, Chairman of Qatar Tourism Authority, said, “We look forward with great excitement to welcoming citizens, residents and tourists to enjoy the Eid Festival program prepared by Qatar Tourism Authority and regulated institutions and sponsors across the country. I would also like to thank all of the Ministries and public and private institutions that will participate or provide support to the Eid festival, through sponsorship or organization of events.” He added, “The organization of such events is part of QTA’s efforts to position the State of Qatar as a leading tourism destination in line with world-class standards as part of our strategy to develop the sector.”
H.E. Mr. Al-Mohannadi continued, “Qatar will be the destination of choice for families during the festival. The program of activities will last 10 days in shopping centers, and more than 35 days in the Doha Exhibition Center, including events, artistic performances and cultural and recreational activities.”
The shows organized by QTA in the malls for a period of 10 days will be free of charge. QTA will also host a range of activities, games and entertainment at the Doha Exhibition Center beginning the first day of Eid and continuing until 15th September. Visitors can pick up free gifts and win instant prizes, enjoy a private dining hall and shop at a wide range of stores to buy toys and gifts for their families, as well as household items. Entrance to the Doha Exhibition Center is free, with food, beverages and games available for purchase.
Qatar Tourism Authority will host shows in the following malls: City Center, Al Khor, Lagoona, Hyatt Plaza, Landmark and Villaggio for ten days at various times from 1:00 -10:00 pm. Shows will feature international and traditional acts.
In addition to the events organized by Qatar Tourism Authority, the following institutions will offer activities and exhibitions during the holiday period:
Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage
Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs
Ministry of Environment
Souq Waqif
Katara Cultural Village
Museum of Islamic Art
The Pearl-Qatar
Qatar Shooting & Archery Association
Sout Al-Rayyan
Aqua Park Qatar
Qatar Air Sports Committee (paragliding, for the first time)
Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum
Al Dosari Garden and Protectorate
Reflecting the customs and traditions of the State of Qatar, representatives of Qatar Tourism Authority will welcome guests arriving for a holiday vacation from neighboring countries at the airport and the Abu Samra border crossing. Representatives will also distribute maps and events programs, as well as brochures about various sites in the country.
Qatar’s tourism sector grew by 13% during the first quarter of 2013 compared to 2012 as a result of the booming hospitality sector, which is witnessing spectacular growth rates. The number of hotels under construction has reached 110; when completed they will add 19,931 additional rooms for visitors. Total hotel capacity for hotels in Qatar at the end of 2012 was 13,407 rooms.
The latest information on the holiday activities and events will be available throughout the month via QTA social media channels on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
- See more at: http://www.qatarchronicle.com/life-style/travel-tourism/34447/qatar-tourism-authority-makes-qatar-leading-family-destination-with-exciting-program-of-events-for-eid-holiday/#sthash.ZLxGzoeq.dpuf
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